Christian Ceremony 1

I didn't write all these wedding ceremonies. Just as the scripture says there is was something meaningless under the sun, it implies we give things meaning. There is nothing new under the sun, sometimes we are seeing in a new way as though for the first time.​ I've gathered ideas and information from all over and put them together, usually with the help of the brides and grooms themselves to make the wedding ceremony perfect for them. I'm sharing the one ceremonies that I think others would also like to use either as they are or for ideas to create their own ceremony.

A Traditional Christian Wedding Ceremony

The Bride is escorted down the aisle by her father. At the end of the chairs they are joined by her step-father. They escort her to her groom. They kiss and hug her, Shake the groom's hand and and place her hand in his.

Again I saw something meaningless under the sun: a person all alone, no parent, no sibling, no child; there is no end to his effort, her eyes were not content with her wealth. For whom, then, do I work so hard, and why am I depriving myself of pleasure? This, too, is vanity and the chasing of the wind. Better two than one alone, since thus their work is really profitable. If one should fall, the other helps her up. If one should rise, he can pull her up behind him. Woe those who stand alone with no one to help them up when they fall down. When two sleep together they find warmth, but how can one keep warm alone? Where one alone would be overcome, two will put up resistance, and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.Ecclesiastes Chapter 4 9-12

O God, Creator of us all, we thank you for the gift of life and onthis day we thank you especially for the joy that Nicole and Danielhave found in each other, and for the promises they will make beforeyou.Bless all of our families and friends who are present with us on this special occasion.We also remember those who couldn't be here today, particularly ____________We pray, O God, that you remain with Bride andGroom as a partner in their marriage. Grant to them, and to us all,love and understanding all of our days. Amen

Please Be seated.

Welcome! Thank you for joining us here today, for coming from far and wide to celebrate the joining together in marriage of Bride and groom . We gather here today to celebrate their union, and to honor their commitment to not just gazing at one another, but to looking outward together in the same direction. Bride and Groom proclaim their love to the world, and we are happy for them.

We have come here as a community of family and friends to love and support the two of you. To witness your entrance into the sacred and joyous covenant of marriage, and to celebrate the beginning of your journey together as husband and wife.

Who gives this woman to be married?

Mom and Dad’s: We do.

Thank You!

We are all happy that you have found each other And that through each other, You have come to know the power of love. We celebrate your union of hearts, minds, bodies, and souls. And wish you great joy and a loving and happy marriage.

Declaration of support:

In marriage, we give ourselves freely and generously into the hands of the one we love, and in doing so, each of us receives the love and trust of the other as our most precious gift. But even as that gift is shared by two people who are in love, it also touches the friends and family members who in various ways support and contribute to the relationship. All of you are Bride and Groom's community, and each of you has played some part in bringing them to this moment. This is why gathering as a community is such an important part of a wedding ceremony. Because they are now taking a new form as a married couple, and in this form, they become part of their community in a new way.

Today we have come together to celebrate the love you have found with each other. By being here with you, Each of us is declaring our support For your decision to join together in marriage.

As families and friends, all of you here form their community of support That surrounds Them. Each of you, by your presence here today, Is being called upon to uphold them In honoring and loving each other. Always stand beside them, Never between them. Offer them your love and support, Not your judgment. Encourage them with your kindness and loving hearts, And honor this marriage into which they have come to be joined today.

Marriage is the ultimate relationship because it offers the opportunity of limitless intimacy between two people. It is a great and challenging adventure into the depths and heights of human caring, Affection, trust and understanding. Today as you make your vows, your lives are intermingled As the waters of two streams become one, Flowing together into a mighty river.

Marriage is a journey of transformation into the profound mysteries of life and creation. Perhaps these are the little secrets of life a couple share with each other? You know, funny little habits... In marriage, two become one and, the two of you together is much greater than the simple sum of your parts. In marriage, We do not give ourselves to another, But rather surrender into something greater. We surrender to love itself. Today, you step into a much fuller experience and expression of the mysteries and miracles of love. Today it becomes officially legal!

Your precious union is lovely in its innocence, Mighty in its strength, And abundant with possibilities. It belongs to you both. Over time you will give it identity. We wish for you the wisdom, strength of character, and divine creativity To make this a happy marriage, A safe harbor. And a joyful journey to share.

Vows:

There was a time ... a moment I felt all alone but then the sun shined upon me bearing gifts of love, friendship and harmony Everlasting love shared and expressed through you to me. The prayers, the cares, the gestures brought forth to me heal my soul For at times I'd only known to give but failed to accept and receive with grace. I'm not alone now for your warmth overwhelms me your spirit fills my soul, and I am ALIVE with your love.

Do you Groom, take Bride to be your wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you part?

I do

Do you Bride, take Groom to be your husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you part?

I do

The rings please...

The ring is a circle... an ancient symbol of eternity and completeness, so perfect, with no beginning and no end, for love that is given comes back around again.

Repeat after me:

Bride: I give you this ring as a symbol of my enduring love and lifelong devotion. Wear it and know that I love you.

Groom: I give you this ring as a symbol of my enduring love and lifelong devotion. Wear it and know that I love you.

Please face each other and take each other’s hands, so that you may see the gift that they are to you.

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever.

These are the hands that will work along side yours as together you build your future.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will give you support and encouragement to chase down your dreams.

These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.

These are the hands that will lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into eyes that are filled with overwhelming love for you.

And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

Bride and Groom, may you live happily ever after. May all your days be blessed with love and friendship. May each day and night of your lives be a new beginning.May your home be filled with laughter and the warm embrace of a summer day.May you find peacefulness and beauty, challenge, and satisfaction, humor and insight, healing and renewal, love and wisdom, as in a quiet heart.May you always feel that what you have is enough.